I'd be interested to hear expertise on what we can do to increase deterrence. We often hear about the SEC imposing fines on the banks but the fine doesn't remotely compare to the profit earned from the violation. This also applies to labor rights violations handed out in fines that don't deter the company from firing workers attempting to unionize.

I have served as an expert witness in the prosecution of pyramid schemes. I have worked with SEC, DOJ, FTC, etc. and in three instances helped put people in jail. There seems to be a tendency toward civil cases (i.e., recover money and make them pay fines) but this is not nearly the deterrent of a criminal case where they go to jail. Those who commit white collar crimes HATE the idea of jail. So I agree.